How To Print on Tyvek | Step-by-Step Guidelines

Printing on synthetic paper is harder than printing on regular paper. The Tyvek synthetic paper differs from regular paper because the materials used to make the paper are different.

Due to different papermaking materials, the properties of Tyvek paper are different. For this reason, when you are trying to print something on Tyvek paper, you’ll face difficulties.

Printing on Tyvek paper is hard but not impossible. In today’s article, we’re here with a guideline that will help you to print on Tyvek paper quite easily. So, without any ado, let’s begin.

Why It is Hard to Print on Tyvek Paper?

The main reason behind this is the manufactured materials. Tyvek papers are made from polyethylene fibers. The manufacturing process of Tyvek paper is different.

Under huge pressure and at a high temperature, the polyethylene fibers are bonded together and the Tyvek paper is made from there. And this build quality provides Tyvek paper with durable, tough, waterproof, and synthetic features.

If you use water-based ink, the paper won’t absorb the ink quickly, the absorption process will be slower and you won’t have a standard print output due to the waterproof feature. Also, it is not recommended to use a standard laser printer because it creates high temperatures that will melt down Tyvek paper.

How To Print on Tyvek | A Proper Guideline for You

While you’re going to print on Tyvek paper, you’ll have to turn down the normal printing method and follow the actual one. Also, you should know which inks and printers are better for printing on Tyvek paper. We’ve provided a guideline for printing on how to print on Tyvek paper and the things you should consider while printing on it.

Tips for Printing on Tyvek Paper

Tyvek is different from regular papers and it has different printing requirements. The ink quality is different from the regular one. Here we’ve provided the tips you should follow before printing on Tyvek paper.

1. Use Suitable Ink

The first thing you have to do is, find out a suitable ink. The ink that is made from permanent pigments is recommended for printing on Tyvek paper. This ink contains a low solvent which makes it suitable for using it on Tyvek paper. An ink that is made from dry pigment has less than 3% volatile solvent in it.

You can also use offset inks but it needs more time to dry.

2. Increase the Impression and Reduce Dampening Solution

Rather than a normal paper, Tyvek requires more impressions. Basically, it needs around 0.08 to 0.10 mm more impressions. Next, you need to reduce the dampening solution. As we’ve stated before that Tyvek doesn’t absorb water, for this reason, you should run your printer with a less dampening solution.

You can use either water or alcohol to maintain the dampening level.

3. Provide Thinnest Ink Film

If you use much ink film thickness then you will experience distortion in your printing output. But if you provide minimal ink film thickness, you’ll get better quality output and it’ll also help to reduce the drying time.

Keep these things in mind and print them on Tyvek paper. The printing process is as same as the normal paper. Just you need to remember the points which we mentioned before processing the printing.

3 Easy Steps for Printing on Tyvek Paper

If you’re willing to do digital printing on Tyvek paper then you should have the coating on them. For example, you must have inkjet coating on Tyvek paper, if you’re willing to print by using an inkjet printer.

We’ve provided the steps for printing on Tyvek paper by using an inkjet printer. Follow the steps below.

• Step 1: The first thing you have to do is, choose Tyvek paper which has inkjet coating on it. Without the inkjet coating, you won’t have a smooth print on the paper.
• Step 2: Now, put the smooth side, with a slight downward curl of the Tyvek paper in the printer.
• Step 3: Next, follow the basic instruction and process the print. When it comes out, don’t touch it, put it in a separate place for drying the ink.

Bonus Tip

If you’re willing to use a laser printer then it’s a now because the laser printer basically generates heat and it’ll melts down the paper. As a result, your paper will be wasted and your printer will be damaged. If you want to have laser printing, you can use the cool-process laser printer as it produces less heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a normal printer print on Tyvek?

Yes, you can use a normal printer to print on Tyvek paper. Most digital and commercial printers can print on Tyvek but there are some exceptions. Some of the digital printers required coated Tyvek paper for printing.

Can I write on Tyvek?

Yes, you can easily write on Tyvek. A maximum number of inks and markers can be used for writing on Tyvek paper. You can use pens, and permanent markers to write on Tyvek paper, and using them will give you the best result.

Can Tyvek be sublimated?

Yes, as they are made from polyethylene substances. Tyvek is basically a synthetic material. If you provide heat of more than 130 °C or 266 °F it will start melting and when the paper will stretch at 79 °C.

Can I print on both sides of Tyvek?

Yes, you can. You can print on smooth and rough sides. However, if you print rough, the results could not be as expected.

Conclusion

Tyvek paper is mostly used for its amazing features. But when you use them for printing you need to keep some factors that we have mentioned above. If there is any mismatch then you won’t get a better output. Follow the tips and have a quality full print.